How To Import A Plane And Other Aerospace Machines Into Canada

Your how to guide on aerospace imports into Canada

If you are importing planes, helicopters, jets, drones and other aerodynamic machines or parts into Canada, you must know what government parties are involved, what regulations must be followed, and the fundamental aspects of aerospace imports.

Parties Involved:

  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Transport Canada
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
  • Customs Broker
  • Carrier

Main Regulations:

  • The aircraft must be registered
  • Contact Civil Aviation to make sure your aircraft is eligible to be imported into Canada
  • Make sure the “last state of registry” (in other words, the country from which you are importing) provides proof to Transport Canada that the aircraft is not on a foreign registry
  • The aircraft must meet airworthiness requirements for importation into Canada
  • Apply to Civil Aviation to get registration marks for your aircraft

Import Fundamentals:

  • You will be acting as the Importer of Record. Therefore, you are the party ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the import declaration; as well as, the payment of applicable duties and taxes into Canada
  • Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into Canada.
  • The rate of duty is determined by the tariff of the commodity being imported, the value of the goods and, the origin of the goods.
  • Certain import documentation is required to be presented to the border services officer at the port of entry.
  • Your import may be subject to a customs review, inspection or audit prior to, or after the importation. Additional fees may be levied by the Government of Canada for these services.
  • You are required to keep your import records for six years following the date of import and can be audited by Customs at any point during this time.

FAQ: Aerospace Imports

How Do I Contact Transport Canada?
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Transport Canada has a comprehensive website dedicated to Aviation. Contact information specific to each topic can normally be found on this page. If there is no specific contact, see Transport Canada’s Contact Us page.
What Aerospace Opportunities Does CETA Provide?
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CETA allows for duty free access for all aircrafts and most aircraft parts.

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